Chapitre 311: Jennifer's performance
After the filming wrapped up, Lucas quickly sought out Missi, finding her in conversation with Jennifer. As he approached, Missi's expression hardened, and she turned away, preparing to leave.
"Missi, wait," Lucas called out, his voice filled with remorse. "I'm sorry if I went too far earlier."
Missi turned back, her face a mix of hurt and anger. "You really hurt me, Lucas. You used my real name. It didn't feel like you were just acting anymore."
Jennifer, standing beside Missi, stepped in to defend Lucas. "I apologize for my boyfriend's behavior," she said softly. "When Lucas gets into character, especially as someone like George, he can become... well, a bit egoistical and arrogant. He immerses himself deeply in his roles."
Missi furrowed her brows, looking at Lucas for confirmation.
Lucas nodded solemnly. "It's true," he admitted. "When I'm filming, I sometimes let George take over. It's a technique I use to fully embody the character."
Missi's eyes widened in shock. "I suspected something was different about your performance, but I didn't realize... I've only heard legends about actors doing this. To actually see it in action, to experience it firsthand... it's surprising, to say the least."
Lucas nodded, his expression sincere. "Nonetheless, I want to apologize if my words - or rather, George's words - hurt and offended you. That wasn't my intention."
Missi shook her head, a small smile forming on her lips. "I accept your apology, Lucas. And you're right, it wasn't you who said those things, it was George. I understand that now."
Lucas smiled back, relieved at her understanding.
Missi then looked between Lucas and Jennifer, her expression turning apologetic. "Actually, I should be the one apologizing. I should have kept it professional and not let it affect me so much. I'm worried that my reaction might have ruined the scene and caused a need for a reshoot."
Before either Lucas or Jennifer could respond, Michel, who had overheard the conversation, stepped in. "There's no need to repeat the scene, Missi," he assured her. "Although you did walk off the set out of frustration, that's exactly what we needed. Your character was supposed to be utterly frustrated with George, and your genuine reaction captured that perfectly."
Missi's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"
Michel nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "It was perfect. Sometimes, real emotions make for the best performances. Your frustration with George gave us exactly what we needed for that scene."
Michel turned to Lucas and Jennifer, his expression becoming more focused. "We'll be starting the next scene soon," he reminded them. "Jennifer, this will be your first scene with Lucas. Are you ready?"
Jennifer nodded. After Michel left, she turned to Lucas, her apprehension becoming more apparent. "I'm a bit nervous," she admitted. "I never went to Juilliard or any prestigious drama school, and I don't have much theatre experience. What if I can't get it right?"
Lucas placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his eyes warm and encouraging. "Hey, don't worry about it. I didn't go to drama school either. Remember all our rehearsals and practice sessions? Just focus on that."
He smiled softly, continuing, "You've been practicing for days. You've got this. Silent film acting is all about expressing yourself through your face and body. You're a natural at that."
Jennifer took a deep breath, visibly relaxing at Lucas's words. "You're right. We've put in the work. I just need to trust in that."
Lucas nodded, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Exactly. And don't forget, in silent film, every gesture, every look counts. Just let yourself feel the emotions of your character, and it will show on screen."
Jennifer nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "If I do that, will I become like you? Will my character come alive and act through my body?"
Lucas paused, considering his response carefully. "I'm not sure if you'll become that immersed, but honestly, it might be better if you don't. It's not an easy situation to be in."
Jennifer furrowed her brows, a hint of indignation in her voice. "So it's okay for you to immerse yourself in character, but it's dangerous for me?"
Lucas smiled wryly, trying to explain himself better. "It's not that. It's just... it's mentally taxing. I've been fortunate enough to be mentally strong enough to handle it."
Jennifer's eyes narrowed slightly, a playful glint appearing. "Are you saying I'm not mentally strong?"
Lucas quickly shook his head, realizing how his words might have sounded. "No, no, that's not what I meant at all. I just—"
Before he could finish, Jennifer burst into laughter. "Relax, Lucas. I'm just teasing you," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I know you're mentally stronger than me in some ways. It's one of the things I admire about you."
Lucas let out a relieved chuckle, grateful for Jennifer's understanding and playful nature.
***
Soon, the filming began with Jennifer already in her character's costume. The scene was set outside the La Reina theatre, with extras playing George's adoring fans and actors portraying police officers forming a barrier between the star and his admirers.
The bustling atmosphere was palpable as all attention focused on George. Lucas, now fully embodying George rather than merely playing him, took center stage. A group of actors portraying reporters surrounded him, microphones at the ready.
George chatted animatedly with the reporters, his charisma on full display. Unlike in a typical silent film shoot, Lucas was actually speaking, delivering full dialogues as George. He gestured grandly towards his female fans just behind the cops, showering them with appreciation and charm.
"Ladies, you all look absolutely ravishing today!" George called out, causing a wave of excited shrieks from the actresses playing his devoted fan girls.
As George continued to work the crowd, suddenly, a young reporter asked George a particularly intriguing question. He grasped the hand of a young reporter, leaning in close with a serious expression. "You know," he said in a conspiratorial tone, loud enough for nearby fans to hear, "I owe all my success to the love of my beautiful fans."
This declaration sent the crowd into a frenzy. The actresses playing the fans shrieked even louder, some pretending to swoon. The actors portraying the police officers struggled to maintain order, adding to the chaotic energy of the scene.
George and the young reporter shared a smile at the shrieking fans. With a friendly pat on the reporter's shoulder, George moved on to pose for photographs.
He tilted his head charmingly at the camera before suddenly bursting into an energetic dance steps. The reporters watched with amused smiles, clearly charmed by George's infectious positivity.
As they prepared for the next shot, George struck a pose for the camera. The camera focus then shifted to Jennifer playing Peppy, positioned just behind a police officer, her hand resting on his arm. She was laughing genuinely at George's charm and antics.
Suddenly, Peppy's bag dropped to the ground. She attempted to retrieve it but found herself restricted by the officer's arm. After a moment of indecision, she removed her hand from the officer's arm and ducked down to grab her bag. In her haste, she stumbled forward, colliding directly with George.
George turned, his face contorting into a frown of confusion as he looked at Peppy. Their eyes met, and Jennifer's face transformed into a mixture of starstruck awe and embarrassment. Her hand flew to her mouth in shock at being so close to the famous George, while her body language conveyed her mortification at the clumsy encounter.
George, meanwhile, maintained his frown, a look of bewilderment crossing his features as he regarded the young woman who had quite literally stumbled into his world.
From his position behind the camera, Michel watched the scene unfold with growing approval. So far, Jennifer was performing admirably. Her charm and expressiveness were translating well to the silent film format, complementing Lucas's fully embodied performance as George.
As Peppy stumbled into George, a hush fell over the scene. The reporters froze in surprise, and even the enthusiastic fans fell silent. It was as if time itself had paused, all eyes fixed on George's upset expression as he processed the unexpected interruption.
Jennifer, fully embodying Peppy, did her best to convey awkwardness and embarrassment. Her face was a picture of mortification, clearly expecting George's wrath for ruining his moment in the spotlight.
But then, unexpectedly, George's frown melted into a smile, and he burst into laughter. The tension broke instantly, and the crowd joined in, their laughter echoing through the set.
George gestured dramatically to his face while pointing at Peppy. "Did you see the look on her face?" he exclaimed to the crowd, his voice carrying despite the silent film format. "She was terrified! Like this!" He then proceeded to mimic Peppy's shocked expression, exaggerating it for comedic, eliciting even more laughter from the onlookers.
Behind the camera, Michel smiled approvingly at Lucas's improvisation as George. The ad-libbed dialogue, while not audible in the final film, added an authentic energy to the scene.
The camera then panned to Peppy, who also began to laugh, visibly relieved.
Jennifer's performance captured the mix of lingering embarrassment and growing amusement, her eyes sparkling as she realized she wasn't in trouble after all.
The scene had transformed from a potential disaster into a charming, spontaneous moment between the two characters.
The filming continued seamlessly. The reporters, picking up on George's playful mood, asked if Peppy would pose for a picture. George laughed, leaning close to Peppy and placing his hand on her shoulder in a friendly gesture.
Peppy, still somewhat flustered but gaining confidence, went along with it. She struck a pose for the camera, her natural charm shining through as the photographers snapped away. Beside her, George watched with growing admiration. He gestured towards her, pointing with an impressed expression, as if to say, "Look at her go!"
The scene then shifted focus to a particularly enthusiastic photographer. He shouted to Peppy, making an exaggerated kissing gesture with his face, suggesting she kiss George for the picture.
Peppy, played brilliantly by Jennifer, appeared to make a split-second decision.
As George continued chatting with the reporters, seemingly unaware, Peppy suddenly leaned in and planted a kiss on his cheek.
George's reaction was perfect - a look of genuine surprise crossed his face, capturing the unexpectedness of the moment. The photographer, elated at capturing this spontaneous act, laughed in delight at Peppy's bold move.
Just as the energy of the scene reached its peak, with the crowd buzzing and George still processing what had just happened, Michel called out, "Cut!"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
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